'Dubai revolution energised golf'

McIlroy is on the cusp of making history and if he succeeds on Jumeirah Golf Estates' Earth Course on Sunday, he'll leave Dubai with a handsome $2.75 million (Dh10.1 million) in prize money — $1.5 million from the $7.5 million Race to Dubai bonus pool that will be divided among the top 15 finishers, and $1.25 million, the amount that'll go home with the winner of the season-ending DWC.

Ulsterman McIlroy may lead the standings, but hot on his heels is the triumvirate of Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher, the only other men with a real shot at winning the Race to Dubai title.

The bonus pool on offer has made this year's money-list one of the most hotly-contested Order of Merit races in recent times and McIlroy saluted Dubai for its role in shaking up golf.

"I think this has been one of the most exciting finishes of the European Tour season for a long time, so I think the concept of the Race to Dubai and obviously the season-ending Dubai World Championship... has worked very well.

Excitement

"There seems to be a lot more excitement about the money list and about the Race to Dubai," said the 20 year old who is seeking his second title of the season.

"I think everyone has really been looking forward to it. There was a lot of talk [among the players] about the Top-60 getting into Dubai, with 15 players in the bonus pool, so I think everyone is really excited for it.

"I don't think anyone really cared about the prize money, but it's still a massive amount of money. On Sunday, if it comes down to the wire, it's a massive amount of money that we are playing for and I'm sure that will be on everyone's mind."